Method and apparatus for applying a corrosion-resistant coating to fasteners

ABSTRACT

A method of applying a corrosion-resistant coating to a fastener that includes preheating an area of the fastener to be coated to elevate a temperature of the area and spraying the preheated area of the fastener with a molten or semi-molten metal. In one embodiment, a corrosion-resistant coating applicator includes a support structure, a rotatable slotted fastener conveyer supported by the support structure, a feeder configured to feed fasteners to the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer, a fastener aligner configured to make head portions of the fasteners aligned with each other, a heater configured to heat head portions of the fasteners as the fasteners are being conveyed by the slotted fastener conveyer, and a sprayer configured to apply a corrosion-resistant coating to the heated head portions of the fasteners being conveyed by the slotted fastener conveyer. The present disclosure also provides corrosion-resistant coated fasteners made using the coating methods and/or coating apparatus.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a divisional of, claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/896,344,filed Jun. 9, 2020, which is a divisional of, claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/649,153,filed Jul. 13, 2017, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,690,166 on Jun. 23,2020, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/367,978, filed Jul. 28, 2016, the entirecontents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Steel nails often rust when exposed to the elements. To prevent this,corrosion-resistant finishes are typically utilized to protect thenails. One such method of incorporating corrosion protection is tomanufacture nails from steel wire that is pre-plated with zinc toprovide galvanic protection.

One problem with such method relates to the protection of the head orhead portion of the nail. More specifically, the head portion of thenail is typically formed by deforming the steel wire. When the headportion of the nail is formed, the zinc plating on the steel wire isalso deformed and often results in uneven distribution of zinc acrossthe entire nail head portion. While the resulting zinc layer stillprovides certain amounts of galvanic corrosion protection, especiallyduring the harsh conditions of exposure to moisture, the head portion ofthe nail thus often experiences at least some cosmetic corrosion overtime at one or more of the locations on the head portion where the zincis thinner or non-existent. This corrosion typically occurs inrelatively milder dry conditions, where galvanic protection is onlyprovided to areas covered with zinc. Improving the uniformity andcontinuity of the zinc layer on the nail head portion is highlydesirable to improve corrosion resistance in all conditions.

Another problem relates to conventional methods used to entirely coatsteel nails with heavy levels of zinc that require immersion of thenails in molten zinc at temperatures of 800 degrees to 1100 degreesFahrenheit (which is sometimes referred to as “hot-dip galvanizing”).Such hot-dip galvanizing has various processing issues. First, hot-dipgalvanizing is a batch process that can introduce variation from batchto batch. Second, adding a batch process in the middle of manufacturinga product can add to operational complexity, inefficiency, and expense.This process is also especially cumbersome when nails will besubsequently processed to be aligned and collated for use in automaticnail-driving tools. For instance, untreated nails are removed from themanufacturing line, hot-dip galvanized in a batch, and then the treatednails are reintroduced into the manufacturing line. The inventory ofuntreated nails and treated nails must be managed carefully not to causedelays in the manufacturing process. For example, if the inventory oftreated nails is exhausted before the next batch of untreated nailsfinishes the hot-dip galvanizing batch process, the manufacturingprocess will be delayed. Third, handling the nails during hot-dipgalvanizing typically heats the nails to a level that can cause theheated nails to become weakened and bend. Bent nails increase waste inthe post-galvanizing processes and in many instances cannot be sold andneed to be discarded. This increases waste and also increases cost.Fourth, the quality of the galvanized layer must be inspected for eachbatch that is processed. Variations from batch to batch can result insubsequent manufacturing difficulties and inconsistent quality ofcorrosion protection that is provided.

A known improved method versus this conventional hot-dip galvanizingprocess is to manufacture hot-dip galvanized wire and then cut and formthe nails from that wire. There are advantages to this method. First,the wire galvanizing processes result in substantially smoother and moreuniform zinc plating layers than the batch-galvanized nails. Nails madefrom such wire are substantially more uniform in dimension, andimprovements in manufacturing efficiency and reductions in scrap arerealized when nails are aligned and collated for use in automaticnail-driving tools. Second, galvanization of wire is typically acontinuous process, which enables much larger quantities of steel to begalvanized in a batch than pre-formed nails. This greatly reduces theamount of inspection that must be performed to ensure that the zincplating on the nails meets manufacturing and corrosion protectionrequirements.

However, a disadvantage to the manufacturing of nails from galvanizedwire is that coverage of the zinc plating may not extend across theentirety of the formed nail head or head section. When the galvanizedwire is cut and the head portion is stamped, the zinc plating on oraround the head portion is disrupted. The zinc tends to be malleable andcan flow in the same manner as the underlying steel to form the head;however, continuity is compromised and areas with little or no zinc canresult on the top of the nail head surface. Practically, relativelyenough corrosion resistance is maintained across and around the nailhead surfaces due to the overall presence of zinc. Typical harshenvironmental conditions that necessitate corrosion resistance inapplication include rain and condensation. Wet environmental factorsenable the zinc to provide broad galvanic protection across the entirenail head surface when it is wet, almost regardless of the uniformity orcontinuity of the zinc layer. While drier conditions are not consideredto be as corrosive to metals, drier environmental conditions do notpermit zinc to have as much “throwing power”, which enables exposedsteel on the nail heads to oxidize locally and create superficial rust.Cosmetically, this is undesirable. The known solution to remedy thiscosmetic issue is to apply an anti-corrosion paint on the nail headsurface. This solution is not satisfactory because it provides a mixedbarrier or mixed galvanic method of protection that is not the same asthe rest of the nail.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a new method and apparatus forapplying a more consistent corrosion-resistant coating to fasteners(such as nails) that solve these problems. There is a need to providenew fasteners (such as nails) that solve these problems.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method andcorrosion-resistant coating applicator and finished fastener that solvethe above problems.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method ofapplying a corrosion-resistant coating to a fastener suitable for usewithin a power driving tool. The method generally includes preheating anarea of the fastener to be coated (such as the head of the fastener) toelevate a temperature of the area to be coated, and spraying thepreheated area of the fastener with a molten or semi-molten metal. Thesprayed metal provides a sacrificial cathodic corrosion protection tothe heated area of the fastener. In various embodiments, the sprayedmetal is selected from the group consisting of at least one of thefollowing: zinc, aluminum, and alloys thereof. In various embodiments,the fastener is made from a wire with a cathodic protection metalcoating. In various embodiments, the cathodic protection metal coatingis a hot-dip galvanization. In various embodiments, the cathodicprotection metal coating is an electroplated coating. In variousembodiments, the metal spray is of substantially the same metal or alloyof the cathodic protection metal coating.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure also provides acorrosion-resistant coating applicator that generally includes a supportstructure, a rotatable slotted fastener conveyer supported by thesupport structure, a feeder configured to feed fasteners to therotatable slotted fastener conveyer, a fastener aligner configured toalign head portions of the fasteners with each other, a heaterconfigured to heat head portions of the fasteners as the fasteners arebeing conveyed by the slotted fastener conveyer, and a sprayerconfigured to apply corrosion-resistant coating to the heated headportions of the fasteners being conveyed by the slotted fastenerconveyer.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure also providescorrosion-resistant coated fasteners (such as nails) made using thecoating methods and/or coating apparatus described herein.

The present disclosure solves the above problems by applying metal tocomplete the continuity of zinc on the fastener surfaces, and thusovercomes the lack of a continuous zinc coating over the entire nailhead surface, which can cause the rust appearance issue.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, thecorrosion-resistant coating applicator applies a layer of pure metalsuch as zinc to the heads of the fasteners to prevent cosmetic erosion.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the metal sprayed-oncoating meets or attaches to the heated areas of the fastener such asthe head of the fastener without diffusing into that heated area. Oneadvantage of coating the head of the fastener without diffusing intothis area such as the head of the fastener is that the heated area suchas the head of the fastener does not have to be heated to a diffusionenabling temperature (i.e., a temperature where the head is at or closeto its melting point) that can weaken or substantially weaken thefastener, and that can cause the head of the fastener to remain weakenedafter cooling, and in some instances to be slightly bent or misaligned(i.e., not straight). An advantage of the present disclosure is that itprovides a method of applying a metal coating on the head with athickness otherwise only practically attainable through batch hot-dipgalvanizing, without the drawback of potentially weakening the fastenerand its head from exposure to high temperatures.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a bead blasterapparatus configured to work with the corrosion-resistant coatingapplicator of the present disclosure. Various embodiments of the presentdisclosure also provide a method of abrading the head portions of thefasteners before applying the corrosion-resistant coating to the headportions of the fasteners. In various such embodiments, atomized gritmedia is directed toward the head portions of the fasteners as thefasteners are moved by a fastener conveyer such that the atomized gritmedia will be directed at each head portion of each fastener multipletimes. Various embodiments of the present disclosure also provide afastener with a head portion abraded one or more times and coated with acorrosion-resistant coating.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include applying a sealeron the corrosion-resistant coating on the head portions of thefasteners. Various embodiments of the present disclosure further includeapplying a top coat on the sealer on the corrosion-resistant coating onthe head portions of the fasteners.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure willbe apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a corrosion-resistant coatingapplicator of one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top fragmentary perspective view of the corrosion-resistantcoating applicator of one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a feeder, arotatable slotted fastener conveyer, and a fastener aligner of thecorrosion-resistant coating applicator of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is an overhead fragmentary perspective view of the rotatableslotted fastener conveyer and a heater of the corrosion-resistantcoating applicator of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the rotatable slottedfastener conveyer, a sprayer, and a blower of the corrosion-resistantcoating applicator of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the rotatable slottedfastener conveyer and a wedge of the rotatable slotted fastener conveyerof the corrosion-resistant coating applicator of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a bead blaster apparatus of oneexample embodiment of the present disclosure which is configured to workin conjunction with the corrosion-resistant coating applicator of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the bead blaster apparatus of FIG.7 with the grit spray assembly of the bead blaster apparatus removedfrom the supporting structure to better illustrate the supportingstructure, the slotted fastener conveyor assembly, and the feeder.

FIG. 9 is a top fragmentary perspective view of the bead blasterapparatus of FIG. 7 with the grit spray assembly of the bead blasterapparatus removed from the supporting structure to better illustrate thesupporting structure, the slotted fastener conveyor assembly, and thefeeder.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of part of thefeeder and the slotted fastener conveyor assembly of the bead blasterapparatus of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a corrosion-resistantfastener of one example embodiment of the present disclosure, showingthe fastener having a cathodic protection metal coating and showing thefastener having a sprayed-on metal coating.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5and 6 , the corrosion-resistant coating applicator of one exampleembodiment of the present disclosure is generally illustrated andindicated by numeral 100. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator isalso referred to herein as an applicator for brevity. Such abbreviationis not meant to limit the present disclosure in any manner. Theapplicator 100 generally includes: (a) a supporting structure 101; (b) afeeder 102 configured to feed fasteners 50 to a rotatable slottedfastener conveyer 106 that is configured to convey the fasteners 50; (c)a fastener aligner 108 configured to make the head portions of thefasteners 50 generally flush, aligned or level with one another; (d) aheater 110 configured to heat the head portions of the fasteners 50 asthe fasteners 50 are being conveyed by the slotted fastener conveyer106; (e) a spray assembly 112 configured to apply a corrosion-resistantcoating to the heated head portions of the fasteners 50 being conveyedby the slotted fastener conveyer 106; and (f) a first blower 114 thatdiscards excess portions of the corrosion-resistant coating. In theillustrated example embodiment, the fasteners 50 are nails (such asframing nails, finish nails, screws, rivets, bolts, etc.).

More specifically, the feeder 102 in this illustrated example embodimentincludes: (a) a first downwardly extending guide plate 116; (b) a seconddownwardly extending guide plate 118 aligned with the first guide plate116; and (c) guide rollers (not shown). The feeder 102 is supported bythe suitable supporting structure 101 in this illustrated embodiment,but can be alternatively supported by another supporting structure. Thefirst downwardly extending guide plate 116 and the second downwardlyextending guide plate 118 define a gap there between that: (i)facilitates shank portions of the fasteners 50 fitting between the firstdownwardly extending guide plate 116 and the second guide plate 118;(ii) enables the feeder 102 to convey the fasteners 50 in a single row;and (iii) prevents the head portions of the fasteners 50 from fittingbetween the first downwardly extending guide plate 116 and the seconddownwardly extending guide plate 118 (as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ).The first downwardly extending guide plate 116 and the second downwardlyextending guide plate 118 have or define cutouts that enable the guiderollers to contact the shank portions of the fasteners 50. The guiderollers are configured to rotate in such a manner to convey thefasteners 50 from a suitable feeding mechanism (such as example bowlfeeder 52 shown in FIG. 1 ) to the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer106. For example, one of the guide rollers may rotate in a clockwisedirection and the other one of the guide rollers may rotate in acounter-clockwise direction. When the guide rollers contact one of thefasteners 50, that fastener 50 is pushed forward towards the rotatableslotted fastener conveyer 106 and pushes against the fastener 50 infront of it (i.e., the downstream fastener).

The fastener aligner 108 in this illustrated example embodimentincludes: (a) a positioning arm 122 supported by the supportingstructure 101; and (b) an aligner 124. The fastener aligner 108 issupported by the supporting structure 101 in this illustratedembodiment, but can be alternatively supported by another suitablesupporting structure. The positioning arm 122 is configured to positionthe aligner 124 to be in contact with the tops or top surfaces of thehead portions of the fasteners 50 after the fasteners 50 exit the feeder102 and are positioned on the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106(as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The aligner 124 exerts downwardforces on the fasteners 50 to make the head portions of the fasteners 50aligned, level, or flush with each other. In this illustrated exampleembodiment, the aligner 124 does not exert transverse forces on headportions of the fasteners 50 so that the aligner 124 does not interferewith the rotation of the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106. Inthis illustrated example embodiment, the aligner 124 includes a rollerthat rolls as the fasteners pass underneath. In other embodiments, thealigner 124 may be any other suitable device configured to exert thedownward forces on the fasteners 50 after they are positioned on therotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106.

The rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106 in this illustrated exampleembodiment includes: (a) a first rotatable slotted plate 126; (b) asecond rotatable slotted plate 128 aligned with the first rotatableslotted plate 126; (c) a rotatable base plate 130 aligned with the firstrotatable slotted plate 126; (d) magnets 132; (e) a wedge 134; (f) acentral hub 136, and (g) a driving assembly (not shown). The rotatableslotted fastener conveyer 106 is supported by the supporting structure101 in this example embodiment.

The first rotatable slotted plate 126 and the second rotatable slottedplate 128 define slots substantially equally spaced around theirperimeters (as best shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 ). The slots of the firstrotatable slotted plate 126 are defined to be aligned with the slots ofthe second rotatable slotted plate 128. The slots are C-shaped in thisillustrated embodiment. The diameters of the slots are slightly largerthan the diameters of the shanks of the fasteners 50. The fasteners 50fit within the respective aligned slots of the first rotatable slottedplate 126 and the second rotatable slotted plate 128.

The first rotatable slotted plate 126, the second rotatable slottedplate 128, and the rotatable base plate 130 are spaced apart so that thedistance between the first rotatable slotted plate 126 and the rotatablebase plate 130 is shorter than a length of the shank portions of thefasteners 50. When the fasteners 50 are loaded onto the rotatableslotted fastener conveyer 106, the head portions of the fasteners 50 areexposed above the surface of the first rotatable slotted plate 126. Theend of each fastener 50 opposite the head portion of that fastener 50touches the rotatable base plate 130 as a result of the downward forcesexerted by the fastener aligner 108.

The magnets 132 are configured to hold the fasteners 50 to the rotatableslotted fastener conveyer 106. In the illustrated example embodiment,the magnets 132 are situated between the first rotatable slotted plate126 and the second rotatable slotted plate 128. The magnets 132 arerecessed so that the magnets 132 do not contact the fasteners 50 whenthe fasteners 50 are positioned in the slots. The magnetic force of themagnets 132 secures the fasteners 50 in the slots. In the illustratedexample embodiment, the magnets 132 extend along part of the perimeterof the first rotatable slotted plate 126 and the second rotatableslotted plate 128. In certain example embodiments, the magnets 132extend along half of the perimeter of the first rotatable slotted plate126 and the second rotatable slotted plate 128.

The wedge 134 is positioned on the opposite side of the rotatableslotted fastener conveyer 106 from where the feeder 102 loads thefasteners 50 to the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106. The wedge134 is located between the first rotatable slotted plate 126 and thesecond rotatable slotted plate 128 (as best shown in FIG. 6 ). The wedge134 protrudes from between the first rotatable slotted plate 126 and thesecond rotatable slotted plate 128. After being coated as discussedbelow, the rotation of the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106relative to the stationary wedge 134 causes the fasteners 50 to dislodgefrom the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106.

The first rotatable slotted plate 126, the second rotatable slottedplate 128, and the rotatable base plate 130 are suitably connected tothe central hub 136 so that the first rotatable slotted plate 126, thesecond rotatable slotted plate 128, and the rotatable base plate 130rotate around the axis of the central hub 132 together as the centralhub 132 rotates. In this illustrated example embodiment, the firstrotatable slotted plate 126, the second rotatable slotted plate 128, andthe rotatable base plate 130 rotate around the central hub 136 at asuitable rate of revolutions per minute (RPM). In certain exampleembodiments, the RPM of the first rotatable slotted plate 126, thesecond rotatable slotted plate 128, and the rotatable base plate 130 isdetermined by an amount of time it takes to suitably heat the headportions of the fasteners 50 by the heater 110. The rotatable slottedfastener conveyer 106 conveys the fasteners 50 around its perimeter. Themagnets 132 and the wedge 134 are connected to the central hub 136 sothat they do not rotate in this illustrated embodiment.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the heater 110 in this illustratedexample embodiment includes: (a) an inner portion 138 positioned tooverlap a portion of the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106; (b) afirst outer portion 140 and a second outer portion 142 positioned to notoverlap the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106; (c) a first bendportion 143 connecting the inner portion 138 and the first outer portion140; (d) a second bend portion 144 connecting the inner portion 138 andthe second outer portion 142; and (e) mounting brackets 145 configuredto support the first outer portion 140 and the second outer portion 142.The inner portion 138, the first outer portion 140, and the second outerportion 142 are curved to follow the perimeter of the rotatable slottedfastener conveyer 106. In certain example embodiments, the inner portion138 follows between 17% and 25% of the perimeter of the rotatableslotted fastener conveyer 106. The length of the inner portion 138 isdetermined by the RPM of the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106 andthe time to heat the head portions of the fasteners 50 to a desiredtemperature. In various embodiments, depending on the material of thefastener, a suitable temperature range may be utilized for achievingsatisfactory adhesion of metal spray to the fastener, such that thecoating will survive an impact from a nail gun or hammer.

The first outer portion 140, the first bend portion 143, the innerportion 138, the second bend portion 144, and the second outer portion142 are metal (such as copper, aluminum, etc.) hollow pipes joinedtogether and define a space between the inner portion 138 and the firstand second outer portions 140 and 142 (as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 4 ).The rotation of the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106 relative tothe heater 110 causes the fasteners 50 to pass: (i) under the first bendportion 143; (ii) between the inner portion 138 and the first and secondouter portions 140 and 142; and (iii) under the second bend portion 144.In the illustrated example embodiment, first outer portion 140, thefirst bend portion 143, the inner portion 138, the second bend portion144, and the second outer portion 142 form an induction heater. Theheater 110 produces a rapidly alternating magnetic field through thefirst outer portion 140, the first bend portion 143, the inner portion138, the second bend portion 144, and the second outer portion 142 asthe head portions of the fasteners 50 pass through the space. The heater110 induces eddy currents in the head portions of the fasteners 50,which cause the head portions of the fasteners 50 to be heated.

In other example embodiments, the heater 110 is configured so thatheated gas or fluid passes through the first outer portion 140, thefirst bend portion 143, the inner portion 138, the second bend portion144, and the second outer portion 142, or vice versa. The heated gas orfluid causes the heater 110 to heat the head portions of the fasteners50.

Alternatively, in other example embodiments, the heater 110 includes anopen-flame heater. When the heater 110 includes an open-flame heater,the inner portion 138 includes suitable holes or openings that enable orfacilitate a natural gas flame heating the head portions of thefasteners 50.

The spray assembly 112 in this illustrated example embodiment includes:(a) a support arm 146; and (b) a wire arc sprayer 148. The support arm146 is supported by the supporting structure 101 in this illustratedembodiment, but could be supported by another suitable supportingstructure. The support arm 146 holds or positions the wire arc sprayer148 over the fasteners 50 as the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106conveys the fasteners 50 (as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 ). Thesupport arm 146 aligns the wire arc sprayer 148 with the longitudinalaxis of the shank portion of the fasteners 50. Alternatively, in certainexample embodiments, the support arm 146 aligns the wire arc sprayer 148at a slight angle (such as 1 degree to 10 degrees) from the longitudinalaxis of the shank portion of the fasteners 50 (as best shown in FIG. 1). The wire arc sprayer 148 melts a wire made of a corrosion-resistantmaterial. The wire arc sprayer 148 sprays the melted corrosion-resistantmaterial to coat the head portions of the fasteners 50 after thefasteners 50 have been heated by the heater 110. In the illustratedexample embodiment, the wire arc sprayer 148 has one nozzle 149. Inother example embodiments, the wire arc sprayer 148 may have two or morenozzles. In certain example embodiments, the corrosion-resistantmaterial is zinc. The illustrated example embodiment includes one wirearc sprayer 148. Alternatively, other example embodiments may includetwo or more wire arc sprayers positioned to spray thecorrosion-resistant material on the head portions of the fasteners 50 atappropriate angles, which may be different angles.

The first blower 114 in this illustrated example embodiment ispositioned to blow air across the shank portions of the fasteners 50 andacross the surface of the first slotted plate 126 of the rotatableslotted fastener conveyer 106 when the sprayer assembly 112 coats thehead portions of the fasteners 50 (as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 ). Thefirst blower 114 removes excess corrosion-resistant material spray toreduce the amount of the excess corrosion-resistant material thatsettles on the shank portions of the fasteners 50 and the rotatableslotted fastener conveyer 106.

An exhaust duct 152 in this illustrated example embodiment is positionedto catch excess corrosion-resistant material (as shown best is FIG. 2 ).The first blower 114 blows the excess corrosion-resistant material awayfrom the applicator 100 into the exhaust duct 152.

In various example embodiments, the applicator 100 may have one or morecooling or temperature reducing mechanisms (not shown) to cool or reducethe temperature of the fasteners 50 before the wedge 134 dislodges thefasteners 50 from the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106, such asadditional blowers, fans, etc.

It should be appreciated that a second blower 150 in this illustratedexample embodiment is positioned to blow air across the head portions ofthe fasteners as the feeder 102 loads the fasteners 50 onto therotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106 (as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The second blower 150 removes metal particulates that accumulate onthe head portions of the fasteners 50 while the fasteners 50 are beingconveyed by the feeder 102.

In operation, the applicator 100 coats the head portions of thefasteners with the corrosion-resistant material. As shown in FIG. 3 ,the feeder 102 loads the fasteners 50 into the slots of the rotatableslotted fastener conveyer 106. The magnets 132 of the rotatable slottedfastener conveyer 106 hold the fasteners 50 in place. The second blower150 blows air on the head portion of the fasteners 50 to remove metalparticulates. This blower is also employed in certain embodiments tocause continuous rotation of the fasteners 50 and particularly thefastener heads. The fastener aligner 108 exerts a downward force on thefasteners 50 so the head portions of the fasteners 50 are aligned witheach other. As shown in FIG. 4 , the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer106 conveys the fasteners 50 through the heater 110. The heater 110heats the head portions of the fasteners 50. As shown in FIG. 5 , therotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106 conveys the fasteners 50 underthe arc wire sprayer 148 of the spray assembly 112. The arc wire sprayer148 applies the corrosion-resistant material and specifically in variousembodiments the molten or semi-molten metal to the heated head portionsof the fasteners 50. The first blower 114 blows air on the shankportions of the fasteners 50 to remove excess corrosion-resistantmaterial. As shown in FIG. 6 , the wedge 134 of the rotatable slottedfastener conveyer 106 dislodges the fasteners 50 from the rotatableslotted fastener conveyer 106.

It should be appreciated from above that one method of manufacturingfasteners of the present disclosure includes: (a) loading the fasteners50 into the slots of the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106; (b)blowing air on the head portion of the fasteners 50 to remove metalparticulates; (c) exerting a downward force on the fasteners 50 so thehead portions of the fasteners 50 are aligned with each other; (d)conveying the fasteners 50 through the heater 110; (e) heating the headportions of the fasteners 50; (f) conveying the fasteners 50 under thespray assembly 112; (g) applying the corrosion-resistant material andspecifically in various embodiments the molten or semi-molten metal tothe head portions of the fasteners 50; and (h) removing the fasteners 50from the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer 106.

It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the presentdisclosure provides a method of applying a corrosion-resistant coatingto a fastener suitable primarily for use within a power driving tool,but that the fastener can be used in other applications or for otherpurposes.

In various embodiments, the method generally includes preheating an areaof the fastener to be coated (such as the head of the fastener) toelevate a temperature of the area to be coated, and spraying thepreheated area of the fastener with a molten or semi-molten metal. Thesprayed metal provides a sacrificial cathodic corrosion protection tothe heated area of the fastener and particularly to the head of thefastener.

In various embodiments, the sprayed metal is selected from the groupconsisting of at least one of the following: zinc, aluminum, and alloysthereof.

It should further be appreciated that in various embodiments, thefastener is made from a wire with a cathodic protection metal coating.In various such embodiments, the cathodic protection metal coating is ahot-dip galvanization. In various such embodiments, the cathodicprotection metal coating is an electroplated coating. In variousembodiments, the metal spray is of substantially the same metal or alloyof the cathodic protection metal coating.

It should further be appreciated that in various embodiment, the metalsprayed-on coating meets or attaches to the heated areas of the fastenersuch as the head of the fastener without diffusing into that heatedarea. One advantage of coating the head of the fastener withoutdiffusing into this area of the head of the fastener is that the head ofthe fastener does not have to be heated to a diffusion enablingtemperature (i.e., a temperature where the head is at or close to itsmelting point), and thus is not weakened by such relatively hightemperature. Thus, the head of the fastener is not weakened orsubstantially weakened by the heating process, and the method of thepresent disclosure thus consistently provides stronger and straighterfasteners. An advantage of the present disclosure is that it provides amethod of applying a metal coating on the head with a thicknessotherwise only practically attainable through batch hot-dip galvanizing,without the drawback of potentially weakening the fastener and its headfrom exposure to high temperatures.

It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the head, headportion, or head surface of the fastener is sand blasted, grit or beadblasted, or shot blasted prior to heating and spraying as furtherdescribed below. This added cleaning, roughening, and/or abrading of thehead surface adds robustness to the process and helps to ensure anacceptable adhesion of the sprayed metal to the substrate.

In one example embodiment of the present disclosure, a pre-plated carbonsteel wire of a specified diameter, bending yield strength, and hot dipgalvanized (“HDG”) zinc plating thickness is manufactured or otherwiseobtained (such as by purchasing from a wire manufacturer). One suchexample pre-plated wire has a diameter of 0.117 inches, a bending yieldstrength of 32.4 Newtons, and HDG plating with minimum average thicknessof approximately 50 microns of zinc. The pre-plated wire is cut andheaded in a conventional cold heading machine to make the fasteners (andparticularly the nails). After the cutting and heading processes, eachfastener made from the pre-plated wire has a shank portion and a headportion integrally formed with the shank portion. Each fastener has thesame minimum 50 micron thickness of zinc along the length of the shankportion, but the top surface of the head portion only possesses 0 to 5microns in total thickness. Each fastener then has zinc thermal-sprayedonto its heated head portion as described above in accordance with thepresent disclosure. The resulting fastener head portion surface willthen have a minimum of 50 microns of zinc to match the rest of thefastener, and particularly the shank portion of the fastener. Thebending yield strength of the fastener will be the same as thepre-plated wire since it is not affected (i.e., weakened) by the thermalspray process. In other words, this process does not weaken the shankportion of the fastener and thus overcomes the problems in the prior artdescribed above that cause the entire fastener to be weakened by thebatch galvanization process.

The advantage of this process of the present disclosure was tested incomparison to the existing process and resulted in an avoidance of a 9%weakening of the fastener. More specifically, a carbon steel wire havinga diameter of 0.117 inches and a bending yield strength of 31.3 Newtonswas obtained. The wire was cut and headed in a conventional cold headingmachine to make the nails. After the cutting and heading processes, eachnail formed from the pre-plated wire had a shank portion and a headportion integrally formed with the shank portion. Each nail was thenconventionally hot-dip galvanized in a batch process that exposed eachnail to temperatures up to 600 centigrade for several minutes. Theresulting nails were coated with zinc with a minimum thickness of 50microns on all surfaces. The bending yield strength of the nailsgalvanized in this manner experienced a decrease in yield strength from31.3 Newton to 28.4 Newtons (which is a reduction of 9%). Thus, theprocess of the present disclosure described above overcame thisreduction.

The tests were conducted per European standard EN 409, wherein the yieldmoments of the nails were measured. In this test, each nail's shankportion is bent to a 45-degree angle over the course of 8 seconds. Theamount of force required to cause the nail to plastically yield is thendetermined from the collected data.

In one instance as indicated above, the nails were tested to exhibit thepotential for the batch HDG process to weaken nails. One lot of carbonsteel nails with a diameter of 3.1 mm was selected for testing. Thirtynails from this lot were tested, and they were found to have an averagebending force of 31.3 Newtons and average bending yield moment if 4.2Newton-meters. Nails from the same lot were subjected to a batchgalvanizing (HDG), and subsequent testing was performed on thirtyHDG-processed nails. The resulting average bending force was 28.4Newtons, and the average bending yield moment was 3.9 Newton-meters.These results represent a reduction in bending strength of approximately9% due to the HDG processing.

In another instance, nails were tested to measure the effects of thedisclosed invention upon nail bending strength. A lot of the nails wasmade from steel wire with a pre-plated HDG finish and a diameter of 3.1mm. Thirty nails from this lot were tested, and they were found to havean average bending force of 32.4 Newtons and average bending yieldmoment of 4.4 Newton-meters. Nails from the same lot were subjected topreheating and their heads were thermal sprayed with zinc to a thicknessof approximately 50 microns. Subsequent testing was performed on thirtythermal-sprayed nails. The resulting average bending force was 32.4Newtons, and the average bending yield moment was 4.4 Newton-meters.These results show that the process of thermal spraying the nail headswith zinc did not reduce the structural strength of the nails.

It should be appreciated from the above that in various embodiments, thepresent disclosure also provides corrosion-resistant coated fasteners 50(such as nails) made using the coating methods and/or coating apparatusdescribed herein.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , in various embodiments, the presentdisclosure provides a corrosion-resistant coated fastener 50 including ashank portion 52 having a cathodic protection metal coating 56 a, and ahead portion 54 integrally connected to the shank portion 52, whereinthe head portion 54 has a sprayed-on metal coating 58. In certain suchembodiments, the sprayed-on metal coating 58 on the head portion 54provides a sacrificial cathodic corrosion protection to the head portion54 of the fastener 50. In certain such embodiments, the sprayed-on metalcoating 58 is selected from the group consisting of at least one of thefollowing: zinc, aluminum, and alloys thereof. In certain suchembodiments, the cathodic protection metal coating 56 a is a hot-dipgalvanized coating. In certain such embodiments, the cathodic protectionmetal coating 56 a is an electroplated coating. In certain suchembodiments, the metal sprayed-on coating 58 is of substantially thesame metal or alloy as the cathodic protection metal coating 56 a.

In one such embodiment, the fastener 50 is made from a pre-plated carbonsteel wire of having a diameter of 0.117 inches, a bending yieldstrength of 32.4 Newtons, and HDG plating with minimum average thicknessof approximately 50 microns of zinc. After the cutting and headingprocesses, the resulting fastener will have the same minimum 50 micronthickness of zinc (e.g., the cathodic metal coating 56 a) along thelength of the shank portion 52, but the top surface of the head portion54 will only possess to 5 microns in total thickness of zinc (e.g., thecathodic metal coating 56 b). The head portion will have the zinc spraycoating 58 in accordance with the present disclosure, and the resultingfastener head portion 54 surface will have a minimum of 50 microns ofzinc to match the rest of the fastener 50 and particularly the shankportion 52 of the fastener. The bending yield strength of the fastenerwill be approximately 32.4 Newtons that matched the pre-sprayedfastener.

As mentioned above, in various additional embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the head, head portion, or head surface of the fastener issand blasted, grit or bead blasted, or shot blasted prior to the heatingand spraying steps.

In certain alternative embodiments, the top surface of the head portionof the fastener is roughened using a wheel abrader.

In certain such embodiments, the top surface of the head portion of thefastener is grit or bead blasted using a suitable hard steel grit orgrit media.

In certain such embodiments, the grit or grit media includes a diamondgrit having an average or approximate size of 0.039 to 0.063 inches(approximately 1.00 to 1.60 millimeters) with a hardness ofapproximately 680 to 800 HV (Vickers Hardness test) or 59 to 64 HRC(Rockwell Hardness test). In certain such embodiments, the grit or beadblasting is performed at approximately 230 to 246 feet per second(approximately to 75 meters per second). These embodiments tend toreduce or eliminate the rounding of the edges of the diamond grit mediasuch that it can be reused which saves expense and reduces environmentalwaste.

In certain such embodiments, the top surface of the head portion of thefastener is roughened using centrifugal abrasive bead blasting apparatusthat propels the abrasive media (such as the hard steel grit) through anozzle that creates a focused but wide spay pattern that impacts the topsurfaces of the head portions of the fasteners multiple times as thefasteners are conveyed in a linear manner.

Turing now to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10 , one example embodiment of a beadblaster apparatus of the present disclosure is generally illustrated.The example embodiment of the bead blaster apparatus 1000 generallyincludes: (a) a supporting structure 1101; (b) a slotted fastenerconveyer assembly 1106 supported by the supporting structure 1101 andconfigured to receive and move the fasteners 50 as explained below; (c)a feeder 1102 supported by the supporting structure 1101 and configuredto feed fasteners 50 to the slotted fastener conveyer assembly 1106; and(d) a grit spray assembly 1170 configured to atomize and direct grit orgrit media (not shown) such as the diamond grit described above towardthe top surfaces of the head portions of the fasteners 50 being conveyedby the slotted fastener conveyer 1106. In the illustrated exampleembodiment, the fasteners 50 are nails. It should be appreciated thatthe fasteners can be any suitable fasteners (such as framing nails,finish nails, screws, rivets, bolts, etc.).

More specifically, the feeder 1102 in this illustrated exampleembodiment includes: (a) a suitable holding and feeding mechanism suchas example bowl holding and feeding mechanism 1052; and (b) a guideassembly 1114 connected to the bowl holding and feeding mechanism 1052.The feeder 1102 is supported by the supporting structure 1101 in thisillustrated embodiment, but can be alternatively supported by anothersuitable supporting structure. The guide assembly 1114 is configured todirect the fasteners 50 one by one in a single row from the bowl holdingand feeding mechanism 1052 to the slotted fastener conveyer assembly1106.

In certain embodiments, the bead blaster apparatus 1000 includes one ormore suitable fastener aligners (not shown) configured to contact withthe fasteners such as the top surfaces of the head portions of thefasteners 50 after the fasteners 50 are positioned on the slottedfastener conveyer 1106 to make sure that the head portions of thefasteners 50 are aligned, level, or flush with each other.

The slotted fastener conveyer 1106 in this illustrated exampleembodiment includes: (a) a slotted conveyor belt 1126; and (b) asuitable conveyor belt driving assembly 1130 configure to control andmove or rotate the slotted conveyor belt 1126. The slotted fastenerconveyer belt 1106 and the conveyor belt driving assembly 1130 aresupported by the supporting structure 1101 in this example embodiment.

The grit spray assembly 1170 in this illustrated embodiment generallyincludes: (a) a grit media feeder 1174; (b) a grit media director 1178;and (c) grit media directing nozzle 1180. The grit media feeder 1174,the grit media director 1178, and the grit media directing nozzle 1180are supported by the supporting structure 1101 in this illustratedexample embodiment, but could be supported in another manner or byanother suitable supporting structure. The grit media feeder 1174 isconnected to the grit media director 1178 and is configured to hold gritmedia and to direct grit media to grit media director 1178. The gritmedia director 1178 is suitably powered and configured to receive gritmedia from the grit media feeder 1174 and to atomize the received gritmedia and direct the atomized grit media into the grit media directingnozzle 1180. The grit media directing nozzle 1180 is configured tofurther direct the atomized grit media towards the top surfaces of thehead portions of the fasteners 50 as the fasteners are moved in front ofor by the grit media directing nozzle 1180 by the slotted fastenerconveyer 1106. It should be appreciated that in this example embodiment,the slotted fastener conveyer assembly 1106 and the grit spray assembly1170 are configured such that grit media will be directed at eachfastener or top surface of each head portion of each fastener multipletimes as that fastener 50 passes in front of or by the grit mediadirecting nozzle 1180.

It should be appreciated that the bead blaster apparatus of the presentdisclosure can be a standalone system or can be alternatively configuredto be integrated with the spray coating applicator of the presentdisclosure. In certain such embodiments, the fastener conveyormechanisms are suitably integrated.

It should be appreciated that the combination of cleaning, the abrading,and the heating of the head portions of the fastener described hereinco-act to insure a proper adhesion of the sprayed molten metal such aszinc to the fasteners head portions.

In various alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the topsurface of the head portion of the fastener is abraded, sand blasted,grit or bead blasted, or shot blasted after heating and prior tospraying.

In various alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the topsurface of the head portion of the fastener is abraded, sand blasted,grit or bead blasted, or shot blasted prior to spraying, but is notheated.

In other various embodiments of the present disclosure, the head portionof each fastener is heated to a temperature within the range ofapproximately 356 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 180 to 260degrees Celsius).

Various additional embodiments of the present disclosure includeapplying a suitable sealer over the thermal spray coating on the headportion of the fastener (such as the zinc spray coating on the headportion of the fastener). In certain such embodiments, the sealerincludes an alkali silicate in a polymeric binder. In certain suchembodiments, the sealer includes a sodium silicate in anethylene-acrylic copolymer binder.

In various embodiments, the sealer preserves the thermal spray coatingsuch as the zinc from oxidation or substantial oxidation.

In various embodiments, the sealer prevents or reduces friction weldingor sticking of the thermal spray coating (such as the zinc) on the topsurface of the head portion of the fastener to the end of the driverblade in a fastener driving tool. In other words, the sealer reduces theremoval of zinc from the top surfaces of the head portions of thefasteners as they are driven into the substrate.

Various additional embodiments of the present disclosure includeapplying a suitable sealer (such as described above) over the thermalspray coating on the head portion of the fastener (such as the zincspray coating on the head portion of the fastener) and a suitable topcoating on the sealer. In certain such embodiments, the top coatincludes an aliphatic urethane filled with anti-corrosion pigments. Incertain such embodiments, the top coat can be one of the top coatsdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,641,432.

Various additional embodiments of the present disclosure includeapplying a suitable top coat (such as described above) over the thermalspray coating on the head portion of the fastener (such as the zincspray coating on the head portion of the fastener).

It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the method of thepresent disclosure includes: (a) forming the head portions of thefasteners from pre-galvanized wire; (b) threading the fasteners ifrequired; (c) cleaning, rinsing, and drying the fasteners in an aqueouscleaning solution to remove lubricants; (d) abrading the top surfaces ofthe head portions of the fasteners (such as by using one or more of themethods or apparatus described herein); (e) feeding the fasteners to anapplicator that orients the fasteners; (f) preheating the head portionsof the fasteners to be coated to elevate a temperature of the headportions of the fasteners to be coated; (g) spraying the preheated headsportions of the fasteners with a molten or semi-molten metal (such aszinc); (h) discharging the fasteners from the applicator; (i) moving thefasteners to an in-line collation system to collate the fasteners intofastener assembly strips; (j) applying a sealer to the head portions ofthe fasteners; and (k) applying a top coat over the sealer on the headportions of the fasteners.

It should be appreciated from the above, that in various embodiments,the present disclosure provides a method of applying acorrosion-resistant coating to a fastener suitable for use within apower driving tool, the method comprising: preheating an area of thefastener to be coated to elevate a temperature of the area of thefastener to be coated; and spraying the preheated area of the fastenerwith a molten or semi-molten metal.

In certain such embodiments of this method, the sprayed metal provides asacrificial cathodic corrosion protection to the heated area of thefastener.

In certain such embodiments of this method, the sprayed metal isselected from the group consisting of at least one of the following:zinc, aluminum, and alloys thereof.

In certain such embodiments of this method, the fastener is made from awire with a cathodic protection metal coating.

In certain such embodiments of this method, the cathodic protectionmetal coating includes a hot-dip galvanization.

In certain such embodiments of this method, the cathodic protectionmetal coating includes an electroplated coating.

In certain such embodiments of this method, the metal spray is ofsubstantially the same metal or alloy as the cathodic protection metalcoating.

In certain such embodiments, this method includes one of sand blasting,grit or bead blasting, and shot blasting the area prior to heating andspraying the area.

In certain such embodiments, this method includes applying a sealer tothe area of the fastener after spraying the preheated area of thefastener with the molten or semi-molten metal.

In certain such embodiments, this method includes applying a top coat tothe area of the fastener after applying the sealer to the area of thefastener.

It should be appreciated from the above, that in various embodiments,the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a fastenermade from a wire with a cathodic protection metal coating, the methodcomprising: feeding the fastener to a slotted fastener conveyer;aligning a head portion of the fastener on the slotted fastenerconveyer; conveying the fastener along a perimeter of the slottedfastener conveyer; heating the head portion of the fastener beingconveying along the perimeter of the slotted fastener conveyer; sprayinga corrosion-resistant metal coating to the heated head portion of thefastener being conveying along the perimeter of the slotted fastenerconveyer to coat the head portion with a sacrificial cathodic corrosionprotection; and dislodging the fastener from the slotted fastenerconveyer.

In certain such embodiments, this method includes holding the fastenerto the slotted fastener conveyer via a magnetic force.

In certain such embodiments, this method includes blowing air at thehead portion of the fastener before the fastener is heated.

In certain such embodiments of this method, heating the head portion ofthe fastener being conveyed along the perimeter of the slotted fastenerconveyer includes heating the head portion of the fastener withinduction heating.

In certain such embodiments of this method, heating the head portion ofthe fastener being conveyed along the perimeter of the slotted fastenerconveyer includes heating the head portion of the fastener withopen-flame heating.

In certain such embodiments of this method, the corrosion-resistantcoating is applied at a first angle, and the method includes applying asecond corrosion-resistant coating at a second angle to the head portionof the fastener being conveyed along the perimeter of the slottedfastener conveyer.

In certain such embodiments, this method includes blowing air across ashank portion of the fastener when the corrosion-resistant coating isapplied.

In certain such embodiments, this method includes one of sand blasting,grit or bead blasting, and shot blasting the head portion of thefastener prior to heating and spraying the head portion of the fastener.

In certain such embodiments of this method, the slotted fastenerconveyer is rotatable, and this method includes rotating the slottedfastener convey to convey the fastener along the perimeter of theslotted fastener conveyer.

In certain such embodiments, this method includes applying a sealer tothe head portion of the fastener after spraying the preheated headportion of the fastener with a molten or semi-molten metal.

In certain such embodiments, this method includes applying a top coat tothe head portion of the fastener after applying a sealer to the headportion of the fastener.

It should be appreciated from the above, that in various embodiments,the present disclosure provides a corrosion-resistant coating applicatorcomprising: (a) a support structure; (b) a slotted fastener conveyersupported by the support structure; (c) a feeder configured to feedfasteners to the slotted fastener conveyer; (d) a fastener alignerconfigured to align head portions of the fasteners with one another; (e)a heater configured to heat the head portions of the fasteners as thefasteners are being conveyed by the slotted fastener conveyer; and (f) aspray assembly configured to apply corrosion-resistant metal coatings tothe heated head portions of the fasteners being conveyed by the slottedfastener conveyer.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coatingapplicator, the slotted fastener conveyer includes: (a) a first slottedplate; (b) a second slotted plate aligned with the first rotatableslotted plate; (c) a based plate aligned with the first rotatableslotted plate; (d) at least one magnet between the first slotted plateand the second slotted plate and configured to hold the fasteners to theslotted fastener conveyer; (e) a hub, wherein the first slotted plate,the second slotted plate, and the based plate are connected to the hub;and (f) a wedge non-rotatably connected to the hub between the firstslotted plate and the second slotted plate, the wedge configured toremove the fasteners from the slotted fastener conveyer, and themagnets.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coatingapplicator, the first slotted plate and the second slotted plate definealigned equally spaced slots along their respective perimeters.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coatingapplicator, the slots are configured to each fit one of the fasteners.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coatingapplicator, the slotted fastener conveyer includes: (a) a firstrotatable slotted plate; (b) a second rotatable slotted plate alignedwith the first rotatable slotted plate; (c) a rotatable based platealigned with the first rotatable slotted plate; (d) at least one magnetbetween the first rotatable slotted plate and the second rotatableslotted plate and configured to hold the fasteners to the rotatableslotted fastener conveyer; (e) a central hub, wherein the firstrotatable slotted plate, the second rotatable slotted plate, and therotatable based plate are rotatably connected to the central hub; and(f) a wedge non-rotatably connected to the central hub between the firstrotatable slotted plate and the rotatable second slotted plate, thewedge configured to remove the fasteners from the rotatable slottedfastener conveyer, and the magnets.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coatingapplicator, the first rotatable slotted plate and the second rotatableslotted plate define aligned equally spaced slots around theirrespective perimeters.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coatingapplicator, the slots are configured to each fit one of the fasteners.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coatingapplicator, the heater includes an induction heater.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coatingapplicator, the heater includes an open-flame heater.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coatingapplicator, the sprayer is aligned with an axis of a shank portion ofeach of the fasteners.

In certain such embodiments, the corrosion-resistant coating applicatorincludes a first blower configured to discard excess portions of thecorrosion-resistant coating.

In certain such embodiments, the corrosion-resistant coating applicatorincludes a second blower to clean the head portions of the fastenersbefore the fasteners are heated.

It should be appreciated from the above, that in various embodiments,the present disclosure provides a corrosion-resistant coated fastenercomprising: a shank portion having a cathodic protection metal coating;and a head portion integrally connected to the shank portion, said headportion having a sprayed-on metal coating layer.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coated fastener,the sprayed-on metal on the head portion provides a sacrificial cathodiccorrosion protection to the head portion of the fastener.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coated fastener,the sprayed-on metal coating layer is selected from the group consistingof at least one of the following: zinc, aluminum, and alloys thereof.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coated fastener,the cathodic protection metal coating on the shank portion includes ahot-dip galvanized coating.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coated fastener,the cathodic protection metal coating on the shank portion includes anelectroplated coating.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coated fastener,the sprayed-on metal coating layer is of substantially the same metal oralloy as the cathodic protection metal coating.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coated fastener,the cathodic protection metal coating is zinc and the sprayed-on metalcoating layer is zinc.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coated fastener,the cathodic protection metal coating is a pre-plated zinc and thesprayed-on metal coating layer is zinc.

In certain such embodiments of the corrosion-resistant coated fastener,a top surface of the head portion is one of sand blasted, grit or beadblasted, and shot blasted under the sprayed-on metal coating layer.

In certain such embodiments, the corrosion-resistant coated fastenerincludes a sealer on the sprayed-on metal coating layer.

In certain such embodiments, the corrosion-resistant coated fastenerincludes a top coat on the sealer.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effectedwithout departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the presentinvention, and it is understood that this application is to be limitedonly by the scope of the claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A corrosion-resistant coating applicator comprising: (a) a support structure; (b) a slotted fastener conveyer supported by the support structure; (c) a feeder configured to feed fasteners to the slotted fastener conveyer; (d) a fastener aligner configured to align head portions of the fasteners with one another; (e) a heater configured to heat the head portions of the fasteners as the fasteners are being conveyed by the slotted fastener conveyer; and (f) a spray assembly configured to apply corrosion-resistant metal coatings to the heated head portions of the fasteners being conveyed by the slotted fastener conveyer.
 2. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator of claim 1, wherein the slotted fastener conveyer includes: (a) a first slotted plate; (b) a second slotted plate aligned with the first rotatable slotted plate; (c) a based plate aligned with the first rotatable slotted plate; (d) at least one magnet between the first slotted plate and the second slotted plate and configured to hold the fasteners to the slotted fastener conveyer; (e) a hub, wherein the first slotted plate, the second slotted plate, and the based plate are connected to the hub; and (f) a wedge non-rotatably connected to the hub between the first slotted plate and the second slotted plate, the wedge configured to remove the fasteners from the slotted fastener conveyer, and the magnets.
 3. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator of claim 1, wherein the first slotted plate and the second slotted plate define aligned equally spaced slots along their respective perimeters.
 4. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator of claim 3, wherein the slots are configured to each fit one of the fasteners.
 5. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator of claim 1, wherein the slotted fastener conveyer includes: (a) a first rotatable slotted plate; (b) a second rotatable slotted plate aligned with the first rotatable slotted plate; (c) a rotatable based plate aligned with the first rotatable slotted plate; (d) at least one magnet between the first rotatable slotted plate and the second rotatable slotted plate and configured to hold the fasteners to the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer; (e) a central hub, wherein the first rotatable slotted plate, the second rotatable slotted plate, and the rotatable based plate are rotatably connected to the central hub; and (f) a wedge non-rotatably connected to the central hub between the first rotatable slotted plate and the rotatable second slotted plate, the wedge configured to remove the fasteners from the rotatable slotted fastener conveyer, and the magnets.
 6. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator of claim 5 wherein the first rotatable slotted plate and the second rotatable slotted plate define aligned equally spaced slots around their respective perimeters.
 7. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator of claim 6, wherein the slots are configured to each fit one of the fasteners.
 8. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator of claim 1, wherein the heater includes an induction heater.
 9. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator of claim 1, wherein the heater includes an open-flame heater.
 10. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator of claim 1, wherein the sprayer is aligned with an axis of a shank portion of each of the fasteners.
 11. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator of claim 1, which includes a first blower configured to discard excess portions of the corrosion-resistant coating.
 12. The corrosion-resistant coating applicator of claim 1, which includes a second blower to clean the head portions of the fasteners before the fasteners are heated. 